Delhi’s legal landscape was marked by high-profile cases in 2024, with former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest in the 2021-22 excise policy case dominating headlines. The year also witnessed significant developments in corruption cases, political scandals, and communal violence trials.
Kejriwal’s Arrest and Legal Proceedings
Arvind Kejriwal, the first sitting CM to be arrested in India, was taken into custody by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 21, 2024. Accused of involvement in a liquor policy scam, he was sent to ED custody until April 1. However, on June 20, a special court granted him bail, citing insufficient evidence from the ED. The following day, the Delhi High Court stayed the bail order upon the ED’s appeal.
Kejriwal faced another arrest by the CBI on June 26 for alleged corruption in the same case. He was sent to judicial custody but received relief from the Supreme Court on July 12 (ED case) and September 13 (CBI case), leading to his release.
Broader Implications of the Excise Policy Case
The excise policy controversy also implicated BRS leader K. Kavitha, who faced arrest by both the ED and CBI in March and April, respectively. The Supreme Court granted her bail in August. The agencies alleged the involvement of a “south lobby” in the scam, with former Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia and Telangana MLC Kavitha also being named in the CBI chargesheet.
Other Noteworthy Cases
- Communal Violence Trials: Former JNU student Umar Khalid, activist Sharjeel Imam, and ex-councillor Tahir Hussain faced ongoing trials related to the 2020 Delhi riots, with no significant relief granted.
- 1984 Anti-Sikh Riots: Congress leader Jagdish Tytler was formally charged with murder on September 13.
- Wrestling Federation Scandal: Former WFI president Brij Bhushan Singh faced charges of sexual harassment.
- Land-for-Jobs Scam: Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, and their children secured bail in the corruption case.
Unique Cases
Engineer Rashid, accused of terror funding, contested and won a Lok Sabha seat from jail. Granted interim bail in September, he campaigned successfully but returned to custody in October.
Outlook for 2025
While 2024 saw a focus on bail hearings and custody proceedings, the spotlight is expected to shift to trials and verdicts in these high-profile cases as 2025 unfolds.
